African films are attracting growing international attention, travelling to major festivals, winning awards and reaching global audiences.
But for many filmmakers, recognition does not necessarily translate into funding for their next project, distribution opportunities or the ability to build a sustainable career.
Films such as Battle for Laikipia and How to Build a Library have demonstrated the appetite for African stories. Yet the question remains: what happens after the applause?
For independent filmmakers, getting a film made is only part of the journey. They must also find ways to distribute their work, reach audiences at home and secure the resources to develop future projects. These challenges point to a wider issue within African cinema: the need for an industry that supports filmmakers beyond individual productions.
For 13 years, Docubox, the East African Documentary Film Fund and creative hub, has worked to address some of these gaps through funding, mentorship, training, creative development and industry connections.
“Africa does not have a shortage of stories or talent. What we have often lacked is the infrastructure, resources and opportunities that allow that talent to thrive,” says Njonjo Mue.
A thriving film industry requires more than producing films. It needs financing, producers, distributors, festivals, broadcasters, training institutions, supportive policies and audiences. Every link matters, from developing an idea and raising money to production, distribution, exhibition and audience development.
“The filmmaker needs a pathway,” says Mue.
That pathway is particularly important for independent filmmakers, who often have the creative freedom to explore stories that may not fit conventional commercial formulas but can struggle to access the resources needed to develop and distribute their work.
Docubox has increasingly focused on supporting filmmakers beyond individual projects.
This year, its work expanded beyond documentary into feature-fiction development through the Creative Producers Lab, which supported seven Kenyan producer-writer teams, with five projects receiving development funding.
The organisation also partnered with Rough Cut Lab Africa for editorial mentorship and convened filmmakers, funders, distributors, broadcasters, festivals and other industry players through its International Partnership Summit.
The long-term impact of such initiatives, however, depends on whether filmmakers can use the support to secure further funding, complete projects, find distribution and reach audiences.
“Africa does not have a shortage of stories or talent. What we have often lacked is the infrastructure, resources and opportunities that allow that talent to thrive – Njonjo Mue.”
Distribution remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges. While African short films travel internationally and win recognition, some filmmakers struggle to get those same films in front of audiences on the continent.
It is partly this gap that inspired Shorts, Shorts & Shots, a programme designed to bring African short films to audiences while creating opportunities for filmmakers and viewers to connect.
This year’s edition puts animation at the centre, bringing together about eight to 10 animated shorts from Africa and the diaspora. The selection will explore different styles, genres and visual languages, including how African animators are using technology to tell stories rooted in their cultures, languages and experiences.
“Short does not mean small” is the philosophy behind the programme.
The event will include filmmaker conversations and pop-up screenings around Nairobi, as well as a masterclass for film and animation students led by practising African animators.
These activities are intended to bring the work to wider audiences and create opportunities for emerging creatives to learn from those already working in the industry.
But screenings and training are only part of the equation. For such initiatives to make a lasting difference, filmmakers also need viable routes to distribution and audiences who can access and support their work.